Dissociation Explained: Symptoms, Triggers, and Treatment

Dr. Tracy Marks explains dissociation, a mental process where individuals disconnect from thoughts, feelings, or identity. It ranges from mild detachment to severe disconnection and can be a symptom, disorder, or defense mechanism. Examples include highway hypnosis and daydreaming. Dissociation differs from psychosis, where reality testing remains intact. Dissociative disorders include amnesia, depersonalization, and identity disorder, often triggered by trauma or stress. Management strategies include grounding exercises, mindfulness, and therapy.

What is a common example of mild dissociation experienced while driving?

• Sleepwalking

• Daydreaming

• Highway hypnosis

• Meditation

How does depersonalization differ from derealization?

• Both involve disconnecting from reality entirely.

• Depersonalization involves disconnecting from the environment, while derealization involves disconnecting from oneself.

• Depersonalization involves disconnecting from oneself, while derealization involves disconnecting from the environment.

• They are two terms for the same experience.

Which of the following is NOT a dissociative disorder?

• Dissociative identity disorder

• Depersonalization-derealization disorder

• Dissociative amnesia

• Bipolar disorder

What is a characteristic of dissociative identity disorder?

• Having a single, unified personality

• Experiencing auditory hallucinations

• Managing situations with different personalities

• Complete memory retention across all identities

Which early life experience can increase the risk of dissociative episodes?

• Childhood trauma

• Learning a new language

• Winning a competition

• Moving to a new city

What is a common trigger for everyday dissociation?

• Excessive happiness

• Balanced diet

• Intense stress

• Regular exercise

Which grounding technique involves identifying sensory experiences?

• 54321 senses technique

• Deep breathing

• Yoga

• Meditation

How can deep breathing help manage dissociation?

• By increasing heart rate

• By activating the body's relaxation response

• By causing hyperventilation

• By distracting the mind

What is the purpose of mindfulness exercises in managing dissociation?

• To induce sleep

• To stay connected to the body and present moment

• To disconnect from reality

• To increase stress levels

What should individuals with a history of trauma and dissociative disorders seek?

• Self-help books

• Trauma-focused therapy

• Isolation

• Avoidance of all stressors